2000-64 DESIGNATING CONSERVATION AREA - NEAR NORTH AREA

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� '� {� � . • . � *. o ' • � Decatur City Plan Commission June 1, 2000 Page Five Conservation District designation would allow the City the authority to facilitate property acquisition, demolition, installation and repair to utility easements, right of way and public infrastructure. Mr. Krieger stated that the designation will allow the City to advance on the redevelopment in the Near North area. Also present were Dave Carr, Executive Director of the Decatur Housing Authority, and Bill Blank of Blank Wesselink and Cook who performed the study of the area and its conditions. Mr. Krieger stated that in September of 1999, the Decatur Housing Authority was awarded a HOPE VI Grant which will augment the City's effort to redevelop the Near North area. To the west included a sandwich area between North Main and North Water which is suited for commercial development. It is anticipated there will be approximately 300 housing units in the residential development. Mr. Bill Blank, Blank Wesselink and Cook, stated that a technical review was conducted of the area and his firm is providing planning services for the area. One of the criteria of the designation is that over 50 percent of the buildings have to be over 35 years in age. To designate blight, over 50 percent of the structures must be determined to be dilapidated. Mr. Blank listed other criteria which were used. He stated that he had visually inspected every building but did not enter the buildings. Code information compiled by the City was used. Over 80 percent of the structures are 35 years old and older. Mr. Smith asked how many of the neighborhoods in Decatur could be designated using the over 35 years of age criteria. Mr. Blank stated that there could be several others. Mr. Shampine asked why the designation of a conservation area. Mr. Krieger stated that the application of any designation gives the City certain authority to acquire and demolish property for public benefit to pursue the redevelopment effort. The process of acquiring property has been ongoing for years and should be finished so implementation can begin. Mr. Anderson inquired about the methods of acquisition. Ms. Valencia Thompson, Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Decatur, stated that the City is required to use the fair market values in appraisal of properties. Two appraisals are obtained and if the property owner requests a third appraisal it would be at their own expense. The requirements won't change because of the designation. Mr. Anderson asked about the boundaries of the district. Mr. Krieger stated that the area is bound by North Main on the west, Grand on the north, Condit on the east and Wabash Avenue on the south.